Howard Community College maintains an open door policy of admission.  Persons who have the maturity and ability to benefit from the college's learning programs will be admitted on a space—available basis without regard to race, sex, age, religion, ethnic background, marital status, sexual orientation, political persuasion, or disability.  No student will be denied initial admission to the college on the basis of previous educational experience, except as prescribed by law.

Admission is the first step in the enrollment process.  Standard admissions procedures include the following steps:

• Complete the standard Application for Admission — online version; PDF version; also available in the back of the Schedule of Classes
• Submit the application with a $25 application fee* to:
  Office of Admissions and Advising (RCF-242)
  Howard Community College
  10901 Little Patuxent Parkway
  Columbia, MD 21044
  or
  Fax: (410) 772-4589
  *The application fee is a one-time nonrefundable fee.  It is waived for active-duty military personnel.  Students who submit applications online or by fax will be billed for their application fee.
• Provide proof of residency upon request.
• Submit official transcripts from previously attended postsecondary institutions (not required, but encouraged).  These are used to advise students, award credit for prior learning, and clear students for courses with prerequisites.  They are not used for general admission purposes.

Different or additional procedures are required for current and graduating high school students, international citizens, and applicants to the clinical portion of some allied health career programs.

Other basic steps in the enrollment process include:

• placement testing
• advising
• registration
• pay for college
• purchase of books and supplies